The country singer has become known for her philanthropic efforts, with this only the latest donation she's made over the years.

Dolly Parton is partnering with the Nashville Public Library to support a new early literacy program that aims to make sure kids are ready to read by the time they reach kindergarten. Why it matters: Developing reading skills by kindergarten is a critical benchmark that can set children up for success for the rest of their time in school.

The Nashville Public Library Foundation (NPL) has received its largest donation in history from Dolly Parton to help start a new early literacy program.

Dolly Parton has long been an advocate and supporter of early childhood literacy. Now Parton's Dollywood Foundation, home of Dolly Parton's Imagination Library, has made a $4.5 million investment to help launch the Nashville Public Library's new early literacy program,